New(ish) Thanksgiving Traditions

One of the best things about becoming a Welsh are the Thanksgiving traditions that come with being a part of this family. I started spending Thanksgiving with Andre and his family after dating for about a year and a half and I have spent this holiday with them ever since! I think I have mentioned it before, but my mother-in-law's Thanksgiving meals are delicious. That's saying a lot because my mom also happens to be an excellent cook and her Thanksgiving meals were always fantastic!!! So Jan had A LOT to live up to.

Our newest tradition in the Welsh family is to spend every other Thanksgiving up at the family cabin. Jan and Rick co-own a cabin with Andre's Aunt Janet in Mi-Wuk Village, just north of Twain Harte near the Dodge Ridge Ski resort. I ABSOLUTELY love it there! There is so much history because it was built by the family and Rick (and even Jan) spent many winters and summers there growing up as kids, teenagers, and young adults. From the red shag carpet on the staircase, to the Welsh sign carved out of wood hanging below the eave of the roof, to the knotty pine breakfast room that Andre's Uncle Dave built, this cabin is infused with love, memories, and special touches. I remember the first time I visited the cabin...Andre took me up there for a weekend away and I cried when I walked in the door. I couldn't help but imagine all the memories we would make there with our own kids someday. It was overwhelming!

This year was no exception, minus the crying of course, and Dane and Jess introduced us to their 8 week old puppy Ziggy (he's an adorable Golden Doodle). Jan and Rick own another (slightly more rustic) cabin on 5 acres about 10 minutes up the road. We go there every year to cut down our Christmas tree, White Firs, much less bushy than the Doug Firs you get a Christmas tree lots! We always bring a stash of Eggnog and Brandy, cookies and turkey sandwiches from the leftovers and last year I added Spiked Caramel Apple Cider to the menu! 

Here are some photos from the fun filled day!